Orava, Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra’s Quartet-in-Residence – celebrates classic chamber music with its Chamber Masterpieces concert, an eclectic mix that includes the romance of Beethoven, the violence of Shostakovich and the pomp of Schumann.

By way of a bonus, Polish special guest Łukasz Krupiński, winner of the 7th San Marino International Piano Competition, wows on piano with Schumann’s Piano Quintet in E-Flat Major.

Orava Quartet. Photo © Alex Jamieson

The soaring popularity of the internationally acclaimed Orava sold out Opera Queensland’s studio at Brisbane’s Conservatorium. Perhaps it is time for a larger venue. The ‘fab four’ are dressed in their gentlemen’s grey waistcoats with sleeves rolled up, ready for business. Their signature brightly coloured socks and brown shoes impart a modern twist to the look.

Orava’s rendition of Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 1 is vibrant and vivacious, with many nods to the styles of Mozart and Haydn, complemented by blasts of unmistakable Beethoven. The Adagio affetuoso ed appassionato is a solemn transition from the fizz of the first movement, Allegro con brio. The slow strings ooze pathos, inspired by the tomb scene of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

The unusual 9/8 meter...